Here we are comparing two Pro DSLR cameras. Nikon D4s has a 16.0MP Full frame sensor whereas Pentax 645Z has a 51.0MP Medium format sensor. We can expect this to be a close match up because both models are ranked amongst the best in Pro DSLR cameras. Out of 34 cameras in this class, Nikon D4s is ranked #4 with an overall score of 82 and Pentax 645Z is ranked #1 with an overall score of 88.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Nikon D4s and Pentax 645Z before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Nikon D4s is 200g lighter than the Pentax 645Z but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Also keep in mind that body weight is not the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you have to also take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since Pentax 645Z has a Medium format sensor and Nikon D4s has a smaller Full frame sensor, Nikon D4s's lenses for a similar focal length and aperture will generally be lighter and smaller than the Pentax 645Z lenses.

Weight Comparison

DSLR Cameras

D4s

645Z

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Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

DSLR Cameras

D4s

645Z

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Nikon D4s vs Pentax 645Z: Sensor Comparison

Nikon D4s has a 16.0MP Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed 4 processor. On the other hand, Pentax 645Z has a 51.0MP Medium format (44 x 33 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features PRIME III processor. Pentax 645Z's sensor provides 35MP more than Nikon D4s's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.

Another difference between these two cameras is that Pentax 645Z's sensor lacks anti-alias (Low-Pass) filter. Removing anti-alias filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but at the same time, it increases the chance of moire occurring in certain scenes.

Below you can see the D4s and 645Z sensor size comparison.

As seen above, Pentax 645Z has a 1.7x Larger sensor area than Nikon D4s. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

What types of Photography are Nikon D4s and Pentax 645Z Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Nikon D4s and Pentax 645Z for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Number of available lenses is a big decision factor while choosing your interchangeable lens camera. When we look at the available lenses for these two cameras, we see that Nikon D4s has an advantage over Pentax 645Z. There are 280 lenses for Nikon D4s's Nikon F mount, on the other hand there are only 6 lenses for Pentax 645Z's Pentax 645AF2 lens mount.

Another important factor is the availability of image stabilization. None of these bodies have sensor based image stabilization so you have to buy lenses with Optical stabilization feature. Currently there are 88 lenses for Nikon F mount and 2 lenses for Pentax 645AF2 mount with IS.

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Nikon D4s and Pentax 645Z, below you can find their scores in five different aspects.
Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Nikon D4s and Pentax 645Z scores compare:

Nikon D4s

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #2 out of 26 in Large SLR" camerasRanked #48 out of 1131 in all Cameras

Pentax 645Z

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #1 out of 26 in Large SLR" camerasRanked #18 out of 1131 in all Cameras

Pentax 645Z has a higher Overall Score than the Nikon D4s mainly because of its huge advantage in Image quality. In all other areas, Nikon D4s excels. It is a tough choice! If image quality is your priority, get the Pentax 645Z. If you are ready to compromise image quality for extra features, compactness and value, choose Nikon D4s